Wedge-Pin Box Latch for Self-Locking Adjacent Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing box latches require multiple units and steps to connect and lock adjacent display boxes, leading to resource wastage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A box latch featuring symmetrically arranged wedge-shaped pins that mate with corresponding notches on adjacent boxes, allowing for self-locking and reducing the number of latches and steps required for connection, with optional side stops and elastic members for enhanced flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple latches are used to connect and lock adjacent display boxes, then the connection and locking of each pair of boxes is achieved, but the number of latches and steps increases, resulting in resource wastage and operational inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch functions into a single latch structure. The latch includes a latch body with a movable locking member that can simultaneously engage with multiple positioning structures on adjacent boxes, allowing one latch to perform the function of multiple traditional latches and reduce the total number of components needed
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple connection and locking operations. The locking member can engage with different positioning structures depending on the configuration, and the elastic member provides both locking and unlocking functions, making the single latch structure capable of performing multiple operations that previously required separate components
2Reliability
If traditional latches are used to connect adjacent boxes, then the boxes can be locked, but the structure becomes complex and the cost of connecting boxes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is segmented into distinct functional components: a latch body housing, a movable locking member, and an elastic member. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member provides self-service by automatically returning the locking member to its engaged position after opening, eliminating the need for additional mechanisms to reset the latch. The locking member also engages with positioning structures through simple geometric interference, requiring no complex adjustment or calibration during assembly
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and stable connection of multiple boxes with reduced material and labor resources, while allowing for flexible locking configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge-shaped pin (3) arranged in the box latch (1), wherein the wedge-shaped pin (3) is movable into a wedge-shaped notch formed by mating parts (4) of two spliced adjacent boxes (2) and mating with the wedge-shaped pin (3)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a box latch (1). The box latch is provided with two wedge-shaped pins (3) symmetrically arranged around its center, and the two wedge-shaped pins are movable into a wedge-shaped notch formed by mating parts (4) of two spliced adjacent boxes (2) and mating with the wedge-shaped pin to lock the two adjacent boxes. The two wedge-shaped pins are symmetrically arranged around its center such that only one box latch is required to lock two adjacent boxes together, reducing the number of splicing steps and box latches, further saving manpower and material resources. In addition, the wedge-shaped pin and the wedge-shaped notch are shaped and configured to mate with each other such that self-locking occurs when they are locked, thus providing a stable connection of the boxes.